Cat Litter: Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type

The main thing for your kitty to feel comfortable and decide to use her litter box is cat litter. Next, you will discover the different types of cat litter and their advantages and disadvantages.

Why is cat litter important?

The first thing is to understand why cat litter is so important to them. In the wild, cats dig a hole in the ground or sand to deposit their waste. Then he sits on that cavity to relieve himself. They then sniff the feces and bury them. Cat litter is essential for the execution of this natural behavior inside the house. It is soft enough so that cats can dig a hole inside the sandbox where they can deposit their droppings.

Types of Cat Litter

Absorbent Mineral Litter for Cats

Absorbent cat litter is considered the mother of all types of litter, since in 1947 it was the one that replaced the previously used sand-filled litter, making it the first modern cat litter. Mineral sand is made of clay and stands out for its good absorption of liquids. Of course, the urine remains in the sandbox, only the feces can be extracted. Therefore it is necessary to change it frequently. Another problem when using this sand is that the cat, when digging in it, raises dust. This dust can cause respiratory problems in some sensitive cats. When buying it, pay attention that the product does not have a lot of dust.

Advantage

• It is a material similar to sand or earth
• Absorb liquids
• It is found everywhere

Drawbacks

• Dust formation
• Frequent sand change

Clumping Mineral Litter for Cats

The classic clumping cat litter is also made from minerals. It is used bentonite, which makes sand caking when in contact with liquids. This way you can remove the urine from the cat with a shovel. The sandbox smells less because the still clean sand grains are separated from the dirty ones. There are different textures of clumping sand, for example with different sizes of grains, charcoal or scents. The sand can be used for a longer time until it needs to be changed completely. However, it also raises dust that can cause respiratory problems in sensitive cats. When buying this product, try to choose one that produces little dust.

Advantage

• It is a material similar to sand or earth
• Agglomerates on contact with urine
• Absorb liquids
• Lumps can be removed
• Economical consumption
• Less odors are formed
• Available everywhere

Drawbacks

• Dust formation
• Depending on the quality, the sand may stick to the lower tray of the sandbox

 Silica Sand

The basis of silica cat litter is silica gel, which by the way is the same as contained in the small bags found inside the boxes of appliances or similar products to protect the merchandise from moisture. Silica gel absorbs moisture and that is why silica balls assimilate liquids. The special feature of this sand is that it absorbs the intensive odor substances, but the liquid evaporates. In this way, the litter box remains dry and odor-free even though the urine has not been extracted. Compared to mineral sands, silica sand does not produce dust. However, not all kittens get used to the consistency, as the balls are quite hard and when digging they creak in an unusual way. Since cats relieve themselves in nature on sand or dirt, silica litter is not always to everyone’s liking.

Advantage

• Does not produce dust
• Profitable consumption
• Retains odors
• Weighs just

Drawbacks

• Crackles when digging
• Limited acceptance

Biodegradable and ecological litter for cats

The skyrocketing demand for environmentally-friendly, biodegradable litter has seen the introduction of cat litters that can be flushed or even washed and reused. The biodegradable cat litter is the most organic form, it is made of biodegradable materials. Natural materials such as vegetable fibers, wood or corn kernels are used. The sand is biodegradable and compostable. Many varieties can be flushed down the toilet as they dissolve like toilet paper in water and would not cause any problems in the drains. Biodegradable sand may or may not be a binder. Since it is usually made from industrial waste, it can contain additives such as glue or glue.

Advantage

• Biodegradable
• Compostable
• Trap odors
• Does not raise dust
• Can often be flushed down the toilet

Drawbacks

• May contain glue or glue or other additives

The final decision is the cat

As a cat lover, you may have a preference for a certain type of litter, explore the premium scoops for litter on ToolsOfPets. But ultimately it is the cat that chooses if they like litter and want to use it.